Sifaka

[edit] Guide Note

The sifaka is an endangered mammal in the lemur family. It gets its name from its dinstinctive call which sounds like "shif-auk".¹ The sifaka resides throughout the island of Madagascar.²

[edit] Fast Facts

1. Habitat: Tropical rainforests²
2. Diet: Herbivorous¹
3. Size: 18 inches (head and body), 18 inches (tail)¹
4. Weight: 7 to 13 pounds¹
5. Life span: 18.2 years in captivity (average)³
6. Gestation period: 131 to 160 days³
7. Number of offspring: 1 to 2³
8. Endangered: Yes¹
9. Group name: Troop¹
10. Predators: Fossa, eagles, hawks⁴

The sifaka has soft fur with variable colors including white, black, brown and gray. Its arms are short, feet and hands large with strong back legs.³ A sifaka is similar physically to a human in that is has smaller forelegs than hindlegs, which is noticable when standing upright.²

The sifaka is active during the day looking for vegetation to feed on. It often eats clay soil to obtain nutrients not found in vegetation.² A sifaka usually stays in trees, remaining upright, jumping from tree to tree. While on land, the sifaka travels by hopping sideways with two legs.¹ Groups are led by dominant females, who reproduce every other year. The young remain with the mother for a month and usually leave the group when old enough to be independent.²